Where to change your search engine
Your browser has a default search engine — the one that runs when you type in the address bar. You can change it to Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo, or several others in under a minute, and the steps differ slightly by browser.
The change affects only that browser on that device. If you use Chrome on your phone and Firefox on your laptop, each one keeps its own setting. Changing your search engine does not affect your bookmarks, passwords, or browsing history.
Most people change their search engine because they prefer how a different one finds things, because they want more privacy, or because their browser defaulted to one they did not choose. The process is the same regardless of why.
Key Takeaways
- Your default search engine is the one that runs when you type a question in the address bar, and you can change it in your browser settings without affecting anything else.
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all let you change your search engine in their settings menu, and the change takes effect when ready.
- You can only choose from search engines your browser offers — you cannot create a custom one or use a search engine the browser does not list.
- Changing your search engine on your computer does not change it on your phone, tablet, or other devices.
How to change your search engine in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu that appears.
On the left side, click Search engine. You will see a list of search engines Chrome knows about, with your current default marked. Click the one you want to use instead. Chrome switches to it when ready — you do not need to save or restart.
If the search engine you want is not listed, you can add it manually. Click Manage search engines and site search, then scroll to the bottom where it says Other search engines. Click Add, type the name of the search engine, the shortcut you want to use (usually just the first letter), and the search URL. Most search engines publish this information on their website if you need it.
How to change your search engine in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) in the top right corner. Select Settings.
On the left, click Search. Under Default Search Engine, you will see a dropdown menu showing your current choice. Click it and select a different search engine from the list. The change happens right away.
Firefox also lets you add search engines from websites you visit. If you go to a website that offers its own search, Firefox may ask if you want to add it as an option. You can also manage your list by scrolling down to One-Click Search Engines and clicking the X next to any you want to remove.
How to change your search engine in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the very top of your screen (not in the browser window). Select Settings.
Click the Search tab. Under Search engine, click the dropdown menu and choose the one you want. Safari applies the change when ready and you can close the settings window.
Safari offers fewer search engine choices than Chrome or Firefox — typically Google, Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. If you want to use a search engine Safari does not list, you will need to use a different browser.
How to change your search engine in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings.
On the left side, click Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down to Search engine and click the dropdown menu under Address bar search engine. Select the search engine you want to use. Edge switches to it when ready.
You can also add a new search engine by scrolling down further to Address bar search engine and clicking Manage search engines. Click Add, fill in the name and search URL, and click Add as default if you want to use it right away.
What to do if your search engine keeps changing back
Sometimes a browser extension, a program you installed, or malware will reset your search engine without your permission. If you change it and it reverts within hours or days, check your extensions first.
In Chrome, click the three dots, go to More tools, then Extensions. Look for any extension you do not recognize or remember installing. Click the trash icon to remove it, then change your search engine again. In Firefox, click the three lines, select Add-ons and extensions, and remove anything suspicious the same way.
If removing extensions does not fix it, a program on your computer may be changing the setting. Restart your browser and your computer, then change the search engine again. If it still reverts, you may have malware and should run a full antivirus scan.
Search engines you can choose from
Google is the most common choice and is the default in most browsers. It finds a very broad range of results and learns from your search history to personalize them.
Bing is Microsoft's search engine. It works similarly to Google and is the default in Edge. Some people prefer its image search or its integration with Microsoft services.
DuckDuckGo does not track your searches or store your search history. If privacy is your main concern, this is the most common alternative. Results are less personalized because the search engine does not know who you are.
Yahoo is an older search engine that still works but is less commonly used. It powers some other search engines behind the scenes.
Ecosia is a search engine that donates its profits to tree-planting projects. The search results come from Bing, but a portion of the revenue goes to environmental causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my search engine affect my passwords or bookmarks?
No. Your search engine is separate from everything else in your browser. Passwords, bookmarks, browsing history, and extensions all stay exactly where they are. You are only changing which search engine runs when you type in the address bar.
Can I use a different search engine for some searches and keep another as my default?
Yes. You can set one search engine as your default for the address bar, but you can also right-click in the address bar and choose a different search engine for that single search. Some browsers also let you add multiple search engines to your toolbar so you can click between them.
What if the search engine I want is not in my browser's list?
Most major search engines are listed by default. If yours is not, you can add it manually in Chrome and Edge by going to manage search engines and entering the search URL. Firefox and Safari have more limited options and may not support adding custom search engines, so you would need to visit the search engine's website directly each time.
Does changing my search engine on my computer change it on my phone?
No. Each device has its own browser settings. If you use Chrome on both your phone and computer, you would need to change the search engine separately on each one. The same applies to any other browser.
Why does my search engine keep changing without my permission?
An extension you installed, a program on your computer, or malware may be resetting it. Check your extensions first by removing anything you do not recognize. If that does not work, restart your browser and computer, then run an antivirus scan to check for malware.